Hussey unruffled despite Aussie loss

Australia stand-in captain Michael Hussey believes there is no cause for panic after his side suffered their fourth successive one-day defeat at the hands of New Zealand.

Although Hussey scored a century for the tourists, the Black Caps chased down a record total of 337 to claim a five-wicket win in the second ODI and clinch the Chappell-Hadlee trophy for the first time in the competition's history.

Ross Taylor replied with an impressive 117 for New Zealand with Peter Fulton and Craig McMillan also hitting half-centuries, and Hussey said: "It was a very tough day. But I don't think we did too badly. There were just a couple of errors at crucial times."

The defeat marked Australia's fourth on the trot having crashed to a heavy 10-wicket loss in the opening one-dayer in Wellington, while also missing out in the Commonwealth Bank Series finals against England last week.

They have also lost their top one-day ranking to South Africa as a result, but although Hussey admitted the run was not the ideal preparation ahead of the World Cup, he is confident the team can bounce back in the West Indies.

"Although we are very disappointed the spirit is good," he added.

"We can't afford to panic. We have to trust our own personnel, trust our own games and trust each other. If we keep working hard I am sure we will be fine.

"We don't want to be losing but if we stick at it, and keep working hard we'll be okay."

Black Caps captain Stephen Fleming had nothing but praise for his team after their winning display.

"It was an amazing day, apart from the game, which was a close game against an Australian team who we have fallen to in close games in recent times," Fleming said. "To win the trophy is amazing and to feel the excitement in the crowd was great. I'm proud of the performance."